Latest news with #WorldAutismAcceptanceMonth
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
CS Learning focuses on Autism acceptance
World Autism Acceptance Month April 2025 focussed on celebrating differences and fostering inclusivity, and at CS Learning Centre they certainly did so. They ended the month with a blue civvies day and enjoyed blue cupcakes together. Autism falls under the banner of Neurodivergence and is a spectrum disorder. A person with Autism Spectrum Disorder can exhibit a wide range of different behaviours, coping skills and functionality. As pictured, four children reacted in their own unique ways to sensory cues, they function in their own ways in social situations, and even differ in their communication skills. Fanele Mlambo (12) and Jordan Fords (9) love to have a good conversation, confirm details and discuss events with eagerness. Their happy smiles and joyful talking are a delightful addition at school. Michelle Munona (12) and Tau Yekani (8) are more the silent types, and although they may not verbalise, they certainly can communicate effectively with body language, Makaton signing and emotional responses. In light of creating awareness and acceptance around Autism, CS Learning Centre thanks Warrant Officer Zaine Moodley and the staff at the Shell Garage Oribi Toll Plaza. Recently, one of the students had an unfortunate incident outside of school hours, on a busy road. Everyone was lucky that Moodley came upon the scene and with kindness assisted the student to the garage. The staff displayed gentleness and understanding as they helped this young man while they waited for someone to be contacted. Despite the student's limited vocabulary and behavioural tics, these kind community members were gracious and understanding when helping him to remain calm until someone he knew could come to fetch him. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time of India
30-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Guv hails Mizoram society for its service towards special kids
1 2 Aizawl: Mizoram governor Gen VK Singh on Wednesday hailed the Spastic Society of Mizoram for its selfless service and enduring commitment to the welfare of children with special needs , as he attended the closing event of World Autism Acceptance Month at Gilead Special School in the Bawngkawn Brigade area. Singh acknowledged the society's efforts and praised the Gilead Special School staff for their dedication. "The Lord has chosen you to be the special ones entrusted with extra responsibilities to look after the special ones," he told the parents of differently-abled children. Reaffirming the govt's inclusive approach , Singh said the Prime Minister had championed the use of the term Divyangjan — meaning 'children of God' — instead of 'disabled' to promote dignity and respect for people with special needs. He urged the Spastic Society to broaden its outreach to underserved rural areas. The programme was chaired by Chhingpuii, chairperson of the Spastic Society, while Prof Margaret Ch Zama, a founding member, shared a brief history of the organisation and vice-chairperson Zokhumi Vankung proposed the vote of thanks. Founded in 1989, the Spastic Society of Mizoram has been running Gilead Special School since 1990. The school currently serves around 135 specially-abled children, including 30 with autism.
Khaleej Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Autistic kids as young as 4 carve out words of hope during calligraphy workshop
"Acceptance, awareness"—these words were carved out on a big canvas by kids aged 4 to 18 on Sunday morning at a special calligraphy workshop for children with autism, led by the talented Filipino artist Gino Banola. The children took this Sunday activity to the next level as they came together to celebrate World Autism Acceptance Month in Dubai. The session aimed at using the art of calligraphy as a creative tool to support self-expression and enhance fine motor skills in children on the spectrum. Laica Hamilton was on the front line with her 6-year-old son, who was officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of 4. Describing the moment of her son's diagnosis, she said, 'It all started with denial and trying to figure out the best for your child.' Laica, who is also a member of the Ausome Family Journey (AFJ) community—a group of passionate parents raising children on the autism spectrum—emphasised their mission. 'Our goal is to create safe, inclusive spaces that promote diversity, acceptance, and creativity among neurodiverse children,' she explained. Her journey evolved from finding the right therapy centres for her child to discovering a supportive community where fellow Filipino parents come together. 'Everyone here has a different experience; there's no guidebook for raising a child with autism, but we have each other. You find a sense of belonging.' As her son drew lines on the big canvas, Laica noted how beneficial these types of workshops can be for both children and parents alike. Artistic expression For the second year in a row, Gino Banola, a Baybayin calligrapher, guided the kids through the art form. He shared his vision for the workshop, stating, 'We're not only promoting our Philippine script but also teaching the kids about their identity. Words like 'Acceptance' and 'Awareness' are vital for understanding their journey and embracing who they are.' Gino highlighted the importance of fostering both self-awareness and cultural pride through artistic expression. Pamela Amor Calinog, founder and president of the AFJ community and Brand Ambassador of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower UAE, opened the mic for parents to share their journeys. She explained the significance of the Sunflower lanyard, which symbolises hidden disabilities. 'To me, it's a call for patience, understanding, and kindness. As a mom of a nonverbal child with autism, I know how difficult it can be when my son is overwhelmed. The lanyard helps raise awareness that not all disabilities are visible, reminding us to choose empathy over judgment.' The event also showcased a beautiful prayer performance led by children with autism and ADHD, highlighting their talents and resilience. The event took place at ABLE UK in Dubai Healthcare City, which offers a spectrum of specialised therapies tailored to meet the diverse needs of every child. Aman Sura, the Director, expressed the centre's commitment to community-building. 'Hosting events like this not only brings families together but also celebrates the resilience of both parents and people of determination. We welcome every child here—so much difference can happen when they're in the right place,' she remarked.
The Independent
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
‘Disruptive' Minecraft movie trend ‘causing distress to autistic children'
The viral 'chicken jockey' trend in which cinema-goers watching the new Minecraft film erupt into thunderous celebration, has been condemned for causing disruption and 'distressing' autistic children. TikTok users have shared footage of young people loudly cheering, clapping and throwing popcorn, as US actor Jack Black's character in A Minecraft Movie shouts 'chicken jockey'. This refers to a baby zombie riding a chicken which is considered ultra-rare in the video game. The global trend has been warmly received by many, including the film's creators. Director Jared Hess told Entertainment Weekly the jubilant reaction to his film is 'bananas' and 'way too fun'. However, some have raised concerns the trend is disruptive. UK cinemas such as Reel Cinema in Fareham, Hampshire and the Electric Picture House in Cannock, Staffordshire, have issued warnings to cinema-goers. In a Facebook post, Reel Cinema said it would be 'increasing our monitoring of screens during performances', adding that 'disruptive behaviour' such as taking part in the trend would not be tolerated, and they would consider calling the police if necessary. The Electric Picture House posted on Facebook that customers under 18 watching any showing of the film after 6.30pm must be accompanied by an adult. 'Any behaviour such as shouting, throwing popcorn, talking, filming the screen and each other during the film, will not be tolerated. CCTV is in use and audience disturbances are not acceptable,' it said. Charities supporting autistic people have said that the cheering and screaming can result in 'total sensory overwhelm'. Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of charity Ambitious About Autism, said the viral trend 'appears to be creating unnecessary anxiety and upset for some autistic fans of the film'. She said: 'Many autistic people are sensitive to loud noises or unexpected sounds, which can lead to discomfort and even total sensory overwhelm. 'This World Autism Acceptance Month and beyond, we encourage the public to be understanding of the experiences of autistic children and young people and be mindful of how certain actions can affect them. 'Concerned autistic young people and parents may want to research autism-friendly screenings of the film, which are offered by many cinemas.' Christine Flintoft-Smith, head of autism accreditation and projects at the National Autistic Society, said the trend can be 'scary and distressing' for autistic people. 'Everyone should be able to enjoy going to the cinema, but for some autistic children and their families it can already be a challenging experience, due to busy crowds, loud noises and unfamiliar environments,' she said. 'Autistic people deserve to feel the joy of going to the cinema and watching a film all together, just like everyone else. 'It's important that the public remember that they're not the only ones in the cinema, and that being loud, disruptive or unpredictable might not just be annoying for others, but scary and distressing.' One widely shared TikTok video from a concerned mother of an autistic child showed her son with his head down and sitting on the floor, and a caption warning members of the public to be mindful of people with special needs. She said some people at the cinema were shouting and throwing sweets at her 10-year-old son, who also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which she described as 'absolutely revolting behaviour'. She said her child experienced meltdowns and struggled to regulate his emotions after watching the film, and urged those considering taking part in the trend to 'please think again'. Other videos show the aftermath of the trend, with popcorn on the floor and empty drinking cups. 'This is what minimum wage cinema workers have to clean up. With rubbish little sweeps like this by the way,' one TikTok user said, referencing a picture of a black dustpan and brush. The trend also caused debate in the US, where Township Theatre in Washington, New Jersey, said in a post on Facebook that it was banning unaccompanied children from seeing the film after 'vandalism' during a viewing last Friday. One US video showing a group of young people removing their t-shirts and swinging them in the air while shouting and cheering has been viewed more than 24.1 million times. A video from a cinema-goer in Ohio, which has more than 2.4 million views, shows him taking a live chicken into the screening and sitting on his friend's shoulders while holding the bird. TikTok has put a warning on the video, saying: 'Participating in this activity could result in you or others getting hurt.' The film was released in cinemas on April 4 and stars Aquaman's Jason Momoa and The White Lotus's Jennifer Coolidge.
